Councillor resignation sparks role reshuffle at Mid Suffolk District Council

Babergh District Council headquarters at Endeavour House, Ipswich. (3446755)

The resignation of a Suffolk councillor from his cabinet position has prompted the first shake-up of roles since a new style of governance was adopted.

David Whybrow, who remains a councillor for the Ringshall ward, stepped down from his role as planning cabinet member earlier in the summer due to personal reasons. His role was taken up by Wetheringsett Conservative councillor Glen Horn last month.

Nick Gowrley, leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “David has put in an immense amount of work into the planning portfolio, and has successfully rebuilt our five year housing land supply.

“I’d like to thank David for everything he has done for the district and his dedication to duty that drove him to stay in post until the land supply was resolved.”

The leader and cabinet model consists of a leader, usually from the largest party, who then appoints the other members to a series of positions, and replaced the old committee and portfolio holder version in May 2017.

Mr Gowrley said he was happy with how the new system had been working.

“The cabinet model is proving an excellent way to make sure the council’s leadership is both strong and flexible enough to meet the challenges we face, yet accountable to all members,” he said.

Elsewhere in the cabinet, Stonhams ward councillor Suzie Morley took up the position of cabinet member for organisational delivery, with her role as lead member for customer access merged into that position.

At Babergh District Council, former deputy leader Simon Barrett has returned to a cabinet role by taking on the responsibility for economy.

Mr Barrett left the cabinet last year after a power struggle with then-leader Jennie Jenkins, and has been a vocal backbench councillor since then.

All the new cabinet members are expected to be present for this week’s cabinet meetings.